The Terrible Need

"It is comforting to know every day that we are in contact with people who put such confidence in us that we strive harder to do our best.  Where one person can be challenged, another may need to be told how to rise above emotions and imagined shortcomings.  We all need approval and attention, and when someone cares, it makes an important difference."  

I confirm for the nth time that I do not speak harshly to anyone in recovery.  What do you remember: praise and encouragement?  Or a detailed accounting of where you fell short?  We're our own worst enemies.  Pointing out someone's failures is piling on.

"We work with what we know, with what we have.  To anguish over what we did in the past is foolish.  The Cherokee calls this 'remembering the things that never were.'  How can we know another man's heart or true desire?  We're not even sure about our own.  One who never has a good word or a good thought for anyone reveals his terrible need."

I've had enough with the terrible need.  I lived for too many years in a state of terrible neediness.  It's no good.  It's overrated.